Philanthropist Gives A.C.L.U. $8 Million

By STEPHANIE STROM

Published: January 15, 2003

Peter B. Lewis, the feisty philanthropist who has forced several beneficiaries of his largess to practice greater financial discipline, is giving $8 million to the American Civil Liberties Union. But Mr. Lewis said there were no strings attached to his gift.

The donation, the largest the organization has ever received from an individual, will support the A.C.L.U.'s efforts to fight antiterrorism measures that it deems a violation of civil liberties.

"This gift comes at a critical time in the A.C.L.U.'s work and the country's history," Anthony Romero, executive director of the group, said on Monday. "Even in the midst of an economic downturn, Peter recognizes that civil liberties are not a luxury item to be supported only in times of prosperity."

Mr. Lewis, a longtime member of the organization, said he made the contribution because he wanted to show support for Mr. Romero and the causes with which the A.C.L.U. deals.

"I just think that what they work on is very important," he said.

Mr. Lewis's profile as a philanthropist has skyrocketed since he declared a boycott of charities in Cleveland, his hometown, last fall and then forced the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York to pare its budget in exchange for a $12 million gift.

"My gifts are not given on condition," he said. "But I have discovered that as a philanthropist, one's leverage is substantially before the check is written."

Mr. Romero expressed no concern over Mr. Lewis's penchant for driving hard bargains for his gifts. Rather, he said, he expected to be able to use the gift to encourage other philanthropists, something about which Mr. Lewis was less certain.

"I'm flattered that he thinks it will have that effect, but I think philanthropists tend to be pretty independent," said Mr. Lewis, who made his fortune in the auto insurance business.

Since the Sept. 11 attacks, the A.C.L.U. has seen record growth in membership, Mr. Romero said. In 2000, it attracted 59,607 new members, but in 2001, almost 75,000 people joined.

Last year, its ranks swelled by 90,000, bringing membership to 330,000.

"What this demonstrates is that a growing portion of the American public is concerned that government efforts to ensure national security undercuts core American values such as fairness, equality and freedom," Mr. Romero said.

The Lewis gift means that the A.C.L.U. will probably meet its goal of raising $50 million for its endowment, he said.